Burn

More about the book

From the best-selling author of The Dog Stars and The Last Ranger comes a gripping tale of two lifelong friends, Jess and Storey, who venture into the woods of rural Maine, only to return to a dystopian landscape ravaged by violence. Each year, they embark on a pilgrimage to remote areas for camping and hunting, leaving much of their friendship unspoken. However, as Maine grapples with a wave of secession fervor, they believe it’s a concern for politicians, not them. After weeks in the wilderness, they arrive in a small town and are confronted with devastation: a destroyed bridge, burned buildings, and abandoned vehicles. Confused by the chaos, they attempt to navigate their way home, pulling a wagon along rough dirt roads, scavenging from lakes, and evading armed groups—whether secessionists or military is unclear. A shocking discovery significantly alters their journey and heightens the stakes. Rich in the beauty of nature and the nuances of male friendship, this narrative serves as both a stark warning about a politically divided nation and a heartfelt tribute to the bonds formed within chosen families, even in the face of impending doom.